uPVC Double Glazing NZ: Complete 2025 Guide 🪟
uPVC double glazing is the most popular and affordable window option in New Zealand, costing $500-$800 per window. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know: prices, benefits, best suppliers, installation, and whether uPVC is right for your home.
Quick Answer: Should You Choose uPVC?
✓ YES if you want: Best value for money, maximum energy efficiency, low maintenance, budget-friendly option
✗ NO if you need: Slim modern profiles (choose aluminium), coastal durability (choose aluminium), heritage aesthetic (choose timber)
Average Cost: $500-$800 per window | $10,000-$18,000 for 3-bedroom house
Best For: Cold climates, energy efficiency priority, budget-conscious homeowners, rental properties
What is uPVC Double Glazing?
uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) is a durable plastic material used for window and door frames. When combined with double glazing (two panes of glass with an insulating gap), uPVC creates highly energy-efficient windows that are:
- Thermally efficient: Better insulation than aluminium or timber
- Low maintenance: Never needs painting, resistant to rot and corrosion
- Affordable: 30-50% cheaper than aluminium, 50-60% cheaper than timber
- Durable: Lasts 20-25 years with minimal upkeep
- Weatherproof: Withstands NZ's harsh weather conditions
uPVC double glazing is the #1 choice for New Zealand homeowners seeking the best balance of performance, price, and longevity.
uPVC Double Glazing Prices NZ 2025
uPVC is the most affordable double glazing option. Here's what you can expect to pay:
| Window Size | Dimensions | uPVC Price | vs Aluminium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Window | 600mm x 900mm | $500 - $700 | Save $150-200 |
| Medium Window | 900mm x 1200mm | $800 - $1,000 | Save $200-400 |
| Large Window | 1200mm x 1500mm | $1,200 - $1,600 | Save $300-400 |
| Sliding Door | 2100mm x 2100mm | $2,500 - $3,500 | Save $500-1,000 |
| 3-BR House (12 windows) | Full installation | $10,000 - $18,000 | Save $4,000-6,000 |
Prices include supply, installation, and GST. See our complete cost guide for more details.
Why Choose uPVC? Top Benefits
💰 Most Affordable Option
uPVC is 30-50% cheaper than aluminium and 50-60% cheaper than timber. Perfect for budget-conscious homeowners who still want excellent performance. A typical 3-bedroom house costs $10,000-$18,000 vs $14,000-$24,000 for aluminium.
🔥 Best Thermal Insulation
uPVC has the lowest U-value (heat transfer) of any frame material. Multi-chamber uPVC profiles trap air for superior insulation. You'll save 30-40% on heating bills compared to single glazing, and 10-15% more than aluminium frames.
🔧 Zero Maintenance
uPVC never needs painting, staining, or sealing. Simply wipe clean with soapy water 2-3 times a year. Unlike timber (requires painting every 3-5 years) or aluminium (can corrode in coastal areas), uPVC stays looking new for decades.
🛡️ Weather Resistant
Resistant to rot, rust, and corrosion. Won't warp, crack, or fade in NZ's harsh sun and rain. Perfect for Wellington's wind, Auckland's humidity, and Christchurch's temperature extremes. 25+ year lifespan with minimal degradation.
🔇 Excellent Noise Reduction
Reduces outside noise by 60-80% compared to single glazing. The multi-chamber uPVC profile absorbs sound vibrations. Ideal for homes near busy roads, schools, or airports. Quieter than both aluminium and timber frames.
🔒 Enhanced Security
Multi-point locking systems come standard. Steel reinforcement available for added strength. uPVC frames are extremely difficult to pry open. Combined with laminated glass, they provide excellent home security.
uPVC vs Aluminium vs Timber: Detailed Comparison
Choosing between frame materials? Here's how uPVC stacks up:
| Feature | uPVC | Aluminium | Timber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per window | $500-800 (cheapest) | $800-1,200 | $1,000-2,500 |
| Thermal efficiency | Excellent (best insulation) | Good (needs thermal break) | Excellent |
| Maintenance | None (wipe clean only) | Low (occasional cleaning) | High (paint every 3-5 years) |
| Lifespan | 20-25 years | 30+ years | 20-30 years (if maintained) |
| Strength | Good (steel reinforced) | Excellent (strongest) | Good |
| Coastal suitability | Good (no corrosion) | Excellent (powder coated) | Poor (salt damage) |
| Profile thickness | Chunky (70-80mm typical) | Slim (modern look) | Medium |
| Color options | Limited (white, cream, grey) | Any color (powder coat) | Any stain/paint |
| Environmental impact | Plastic (recyclable) | Metal (highly recyclable) | Sustainable (natural) |
| Best for | Budget, energy efficiency, low maintenance | Modern homes, coastal areas, large openings | Heritage homes, traditional style |
→ See full material comparison guide
Disadvantages of uPVC: What to Watch Out For
uPVC isn't perfect. Here are the main drawbacks to consider:
❌ Limited Color Choices
uPVC comes in white, cream, grey, and occasionally brown. Colored uPVC is expensive and can fade over time. If you want bold colors or architectural finishes, aluminium is better (any powder-coat color available).
❌ Chunky Profiles
uPVC frames are 70-80mm thick (vs 50-60mm for aluminium). This reduces glass area by 10-15%, meaning less natural light and views. Modern homes with floor-to-ceiling windows look better with slim aluminium profiles.
❌ Can Discolor Over Time
White uPVC can yellow after 15-20 years of harsh UV exposure, especially in Auckland and Northland. Quality brands use UV stabilizers to minimize this, but it's not entirely preventable. Darker colors show less fading.
❌ Not Ideal for Very Large Openings
uPVC isn't as strong as aluminium. For very large sliding doors or bifolds (4+ panels), aluminium is recommended for structural integrity. uPVC works fine for standard sizes up to 3m wide.
❌ Can't Be Painted or Refinished
If you get tired of white uPVC, you're stuck with it. Unlike timber (can be repainted) or aluminium (can be powder-coated again), uPVC can't be refinished. Choose your color carefully!
Best uPVC Double Glazing Suppliers in New Zealand
These suppliers offer quality uPVC windows with good warranties and nationwide service:
MetroGlazz
Top RatedNationwide coverage, 10-year warranty, excellent customer service. Specializes in uPVC retrofit and full replacement. Free in-home quotes.
Thermaglaze
Budget FriendlyAffordable uPVC specialist focusing on value. Good for rental properties and budget projects. 7-year warranty.
APL Window Solutions
Premium QualityHigh-end uPVC with German engineering. Best for those wanting premium performance. 15-year warranty with excellent customer support.
→ Compare all NZ double glazing suppliers
uPVC Double Glazing Installation Process
Here's what to expect when installing uPVC windows:
Free Consultation & Quote (Week 1)
Supplier visits your home, measures windows, discusses options, and provides a detailed quote. Takes 1-2 hours. Compare 3-5 quotes before deciding.
Custom Manufacturing (Weeks 2-5)
Windows are custom-made to your exact measurements. uPVC frames are cut, welded, and fitted with double-glazed units. Takes 3-6 weeks depending on supplier.
Installation Day (1-2 Days)
Old windows removed, new uPVC windows installed, sealed, and tested. For a typical 3-bedroom house (12 windows), installation takes 1-2 days. Minimal disruption.
Final Cleanup & Inspection
Installers remove old windows, clean up debris, and walk you through operation and maintenance. Test all locks, handles, and opening mechanisms.
→ Complete installation guide with photos and timeline
uPVC Maintenance: Keep Your Windows Looking New
uPVC is virtually maintenance-free, but follow these tips for maximum lifespan:
Cleaning (Every 3-6 Months)
- ✓ Wipe frames with warm soapy water and soft cloth
- ✓ Clean glass with standard window cleaner
- ✓ Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads (scratches uPVC)
- ✓ Rinse drainage holes at bottom of frames to prevent water buildup
Hardware Maintenance (Annually)
- ✓ Lubricate hinges and locks with light machine oil
- ✓ Check weatherstripping and replace if worn (every 5-7 years)
- ✓ Tighten loose screws on handles and hinges
- ✓ Test locking mechanisms for smooth operation
What NOT to Do
- ✗ Don't paint or varnish uPVC frames (won't adhere properly)
- ✗ Don't use solvent-based cleaners (damages uPVC surface)
- ✗ Don't pressure wash frames (can force water into seals)
- ✗ Don't slam windows or doors (damages hinges and seals)
Is uPVC Right for Your NZ Home?
Use this decision guide to determine if uPVC is your best choice:
✓ Choose uPVC If:
- ✓ Budget is your primary concern
- ✓ You live in a cold region (Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin)
- ✓ Energy efficiency is a priority
- ✓ You want zero maintenance
- ✓ You're okay with white, cream, or grey colors
- ✓ Standard window sizes (not huge openings)
- ✓ Rental property (best ROI)
- ✓ First home buyer on a budget
✗ Consider Alternatives If:
- ✗ You want slim, modern profiles → Aluminium
- ✗ You live near the coast (salt exposure) → Aluminium
- ✗ You need custom colors or bold finishes → Aluminium
- ✗ You have very large openings (4m+ wide) → Aluminium
- ✗ Heritage or character home → Timber
- ✗ You want natural, traditional aesthetic → Timber
- ✗ Maximum lifespan is priority (30+ years) → Aluminium
- ✗ You might want to change colors later → Aluminium/Timber
uPVC Double Glazing FAQs
How long does uPVC double glazing last in NZ?
Quality uPVC windows last 20-25 years with minimal maintenance. Premium brands with UV stabilizers can last 30+ years. The glass sealed units typically last 15-20 years before needing replacement, but frames last much longer.
Can uPVC windows be painted or stained?
No, uPVC cannot be painted successfully. Paint won't adhere properly to the plastic surface and will peel off quickly. Choose your uPVC color carefully at purchase time, as you're stuck with it for 20+ years.
Do uPVC windows yellow or fade over time?
White uPVC can yellow slightly after 15-20 years of intense UV exposure. Modern uPVC uses UV stabilizers to minimize this, but some fading is inevitable. Grey and cream colors show less visible fading than white.
Are uPVC windows good for Auckland's climate?
Yes, uPVC works excellently in Auckland. It handles humidity well, resists mold growth, and provides good insulation against Auckland's cold, damp winters. The UV stabilizers in modern uPVC prevent fading in Auckland's strong sun.
How much will I save on heating with uPVC double glazing?
Expect to save 30-40% on heating costs compared to single glazing. For an average NZ home spending $150/month on heating, that's $45-60/month savings, or $540-720 per year. uPVC saves 10-15% more than aluminium frames due to better insulation. See full energy savings breakdown.
What's the difference between uPVC and vinyl windows?
They're the same thing! In New Zealand, we call them "uPVC windows," while in the USA they're called "vinyl windows." Both refer to unplasticized polyvinyl chloride window frames.
Can I get uPVC windows in colors other than white?
Yes, but options are limited. Most suppliers offer white, cream, and various shades of grey. Colored uPVC (brown, black) is available but costs 15-25% more and may fade faster. Aluminium is better for custom colors.
Is uPVC environmentally friendly?
uPVC is recyclable and has a long lifespan, reducing replacement waste. However, it's made from plastic (petroleum-based). Timber is more environmentally sustainable, while aluminium is highly recyclable. uPVC's excellent insulation reduces lifetime energy use, which partially offsets its plastic composition.
Ready to Get uPVC Double Glazing Quotes?
Compare prices from trusted uPVC suppliers in your area. Free quotes, expert advice, and no obligation.